Market Watch, January 2020

mwOPENINGS JANUARY FEBRUARY 2020 MARKETWATCHMAG COM MARKET WATCH 13PHOTOS BY TOP MATTHEW REEVES CENTER FRANK HUXTON DIGIMAN STUDIOChicago 8 Hospitality Adds New Bar Cocktail Program At Hubbard Inn Hubbard Inn a tri level space in Chicagos River North neighborhood operated by 8 Hospitality opened its newest bar concept Blue Violet in November The space offers a mixology driven experience listing drinks that incorporate flowers fruits and vegetables to create interesting flavor profiles Blue Violets specialty drinks 14 range from The Duchess made with The Botanist gin Niepoort Ruby Port Giffard Rhubarb liqueur house made lavender syrup and earl grey tea to The Golden Astor mixing Absolut Elyx vodka Suze liqueur house made celery syrup pine apple juice and egg white garnished with celery seeds and basil To complement the botanical minded menu Blue Violet has a lush interior with flowers and foliage throughout and also features a wishing well lounge seating and velvet swing chairs Blue Violet sits on the second floor of Hubbard Inn which reopened this past fall with its own cocktail menu and upscale Amer ican fare Drinks on the main floor 14 are inspired by classic cocktails but also feature seasonal and modern updates and theyre joined by several Midwestern brewed craft beers 7 10 a draft pour or bottle and California wines 8 19 a glass 30 114 a 750 ml The buildings third floor called Masq is primarily a private events space 8 Hospitality is owned by entrepreneur Carmen Rossi and Hubbard Inn is the tenth venue in the companys portfolio Lake Tahoe Mina Group Launches Third Après Ski PubMina Restaurant Group has opened the third iteration of its Bourbon Pub concept this one on Lake Tahoe in The Village at Northstar resort in Truckee California This Bourbon Pub venue aims to be a destination for skiers offer ing craft cocktails beer and wine The pub lists mostly classic cocktails includ ing a Rittenhouse rye based Old Fashioned Skyy vodka based Moscow Mule and Beefeater gin based Negroni 13 15 The venue also creates garden grown drink mixes that incorporate olive brine heirloom tomatoes jalapeño and key lime These join a variety of craft and big name beers 6 11 a draft pour or bottle and predominantly domestic wines by the glass 10 19 a 6 ounce pour 15 28 a 9 ounce pour San Francisco based Mina Restaurant Group operates more than 40 venues around the country Miami South American Concept Opens Second VenueLatin and South American flair take center stage at Chica a high energy restau rant and bar that opened in Miamis MiMo district in November Operated by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group which is owned by CEO John Kunkel the Miami location is a sister to the original Chica in Las Vegas Its the brainchild of chef Lorena Garcia who offers a cocktail and wine program emphasizing her South American roots Standout drinks 14 21 include the signature Chica Rita mixing Espolòn Blanco Tequila Bittermens Elemakule Tiki bitters lime juice and grilled pineapple juice shaken with sage Chica also lists cocktail based 2 ounce shots 7 16 and Margaritas and sangrias by the pitcher 52 62 as well as South American wines 12 22 a glass 32 900 a 750 ml mwLaura PelnerChicagos tri level Hubbard Inn has opened a new bar concept called Blue Violet which offers a botanical focused cocktail menu and lush interior design Lake Tahoes Bourbon Pub venue resembles a warm cabin and aims to be a drinks destination for skiers Miami concept Chica emphasizes Latin and South American roots in its vibrant cocktail and wine program